"God is Our Refuge And Strength" by John Haley Bellamy, painted and gilded pine. Private Collection.

PORTSMOUTH — The amazing work of Kittery Point woodcarver John Haley Bellamy will come to life at Discover Portsmouth in 2014. The Portsmouth Historical Society has received a $55,000 grant from Mr. and Mrs. Pete Nicholas to support a new book and exhibit on Bellamy, who is famous for his iconic and highly collectible carvings of American eagles.

The exhibition and colorful hardcover book will explore Bellamy’s life and his art like never before.

The show, titled Bold and Brash! The Art of John Haley Bellamy opens April 3, 2014 at Discover Portsmouth and extends through October. It will be the largest and most dramatic display of Bellamy’s works ever staged for public view. The Nicholas gift covers the costs of the book, and half the costs of the exhibit.

James A. Craig, curator of the Bellamy project, chronicles the artist and his work in a deeply researched and illustrated book titled American Eagle. The book will be released this spring through the Portsmouth Marine Society Press, another “wing” of the Portsmouth Historical Society.

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American Eagle book cover, Portsmouth Marine Society Press

Bellamy’s gilded eagles with wings outstretched are among the most celebrated American symbols, as recognizable as the Statue of Liberty, the White House, and Old Glory. The historical society is deeply grateful to the Nicholases of Florida whose generosity makes this project possible. Their gift launches Bold & Brash and ensures that the exhibit will be one of the region’s best attractions in 2014.

“Our new Bellamy book and exhibit will rival anything you can find in a major museum,” says Portsmouth Historical Society Director Maryellen Burke. “A project of this scale would not be possible without benefactors like Pete and Ginny Nicholas. It’s the largest gift we’ve received for program support and this will be the largest exhibit of Bellamy’s works in history.”

“However,” Burke adds, “we still need to raise an additional $30,000 in corporate and other donor support to reach our goal for this incredible exhibit.”

Burke said Discover Portsmouth will leverage this gift with additional in-kind and financial support from local businesses. In recent years, she said, local business support has been critical to success. Discover Portsmouth has become a key place for locals and visitors to start their tour of Portsmouth’s rich history and culture. This year that tour will start with the world’s largest display of Bellamy’s American eagles. Sponsorships are available only until Feb. 15 to guarantee mention in print materials.

The 224-page Bellamy book by James Craig has over 200 photographs and was created by award-winning seacoast designer Grace Peirce.

American Eagle debunks myths and dispels mysteries that surround the life of the Kittery Point woodcarver. The book also offers groundbreaking new insight into the maritime world of Bellamy and Piscataqua history.

Discover Portsmouth will also feature monthly gallery talks and programs related to wood carving and other Bellamy connections. Fine art museums, historical societies, and collectors from all over the country are lending artifacts to this groundbreaking show. Discover Portsmouth’s Academy Gallery, built in 1810, is the ideal backdrop for the Bellamy exhibit and it will be open daily from 10-5PM starting in April. A $5 donation is strongly encouraged to support this free exhibit.